Trilander:
I flew from Malaga using the Bahia de Malaga aeroclub facilities a year ago and also tried last week (and failed, but that's another story).
The apartment/car deal that the aeroclub do is good and I would reccommend it. The cars are pretty beaten up, but at least you don't have to worry about them too much when you park.
Contact Mariam at
[email protected] if you haven't done so already.
You can not fly direct from Spain to Gib. If you want to land at Gib then you need to fly via another country - Tangier is most convenient. BUT you must file your flight plan 24 hours in advance. Also via Tangier on the way back. The club can help.
If you don't want to do this, phone Gib ATC in advance and ask for a flypast and circuit of the rock. I got it OK. Do take the Gib VFR plate with you because your route is very close to prohibited areas and you need to carefully follow marks specified on the plate. I understand the Spanish authorities take infringements seriously. Very, very worth while trip. The club has the Gib plate.
You can download VFR and IFR plates from the Spanish AIS site. Sorry, I haven't got the url to hand. It's something like aena.org.es. If that doesn't work, I think you will find a link from our AIS site.
You can buy maps locally, but if you want to do some planning in advance, buy the Jepp LE-5 map from any of the usual sources.
Some suggestions:
La Axarquia - 700m hard and close to Malaga in the CTR. Free.
Granada - nice airfield, but a fair way from the city and the Alhambra (a must to visit). I think there are buses much of the time.
Almeria - nice flight along the coast, but a boring airfield about 4 or 5 miles from the city.
Jerez - I wanted to go there this year, but didn't make it.
Portugal is also within a day trip (Faro or Portimao) - buy Jepp LP.
There are no other strips close to Mlaga that I'm aware of.
I had no problems at all with Spanish ATC. However, Malaga airport is busy with commercial flights and you have to wait if you arrive/leave at the wrong time. No doubt you will have a check ride and the instructor will fill you in on local VRPs procedures etc.
You need to consider how you will handle wake turbulence; ATC seemed to leave it up to the (VFR) pilots' discretion. My idea was take off well before the heavies and turn upwind as soon as airborn; when landing approach high & steep and land long. It worked for me, but you decide for yourself. You can always refuse the clearance, but you may have to wait a long time.
Beware of the mountains, if (like me) you're used to the flatlands. But most of all, enjoy.
AA